A husband in Opelousas fatally shot his wife in the head Friday night before turning the gun on himself.

According to Opelousas police, officers responded to the home on West Prudhomme Street just before 10 p.m. Friday. Witnesses said the husband, 36-year-old Kerry J. Varis, shot his wife, 32-year-old Nancy Varis, while at a family gathering.

Witnesses said Varis then walked away and then shot himself in the head. The wife was rushed to a hospital where she died a short time later.

The couple had nine children, ages 5 to 18.

Police also said officers visited the same home early Friday morning because the wife wanted her husband to leave her sister's home. He left the home after being ordered to do so by officers.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL